Trafigura signs 10-year lithium offtake agreement with EnergyX
Agreement covers 100,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium products from projects in Chile and the US
Pictured: EnergyX’s Black Giant project in Antofagasta, Chile.
Geneva, 12 October 2026 – Trafigura has signed a binding 10-year offtake agreement with Energy Exploration Technologies, Inc. (“EnergyX”) for 100,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium products from its projects in the US and Chile.
Under the agreement, Trafigura will purchase lithium carbonate from EnergyX's Project Black Giant in Antofagasta, Chile and lithium hydroxide from Project Lonestar in Texas, US. Trafigura has agreed to purchase 66% of Phase 1 offtake from Black Giant and 30% of Phase 1 offtake from Lonestar. A significant share of the volumes are expected to supply the US battery supply chain.
EnergyX produces lithium using its proprietary direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. EnergyX is targeting commercial-scale production at Black Giant in 2028, and at Lonestar in 2029.
The agreement supports the bankability of both projects, with offtake being a key requirement for EnergyX’s financing from the U.S. EXIM Bank and additional project finance lenders.
Daniel von Arx, Head of Battery Metals at Trafigura, said: “We are pleased to support EnergyX as it develops its lithium projects in Chile and the US. Long-term offtake is an important step in moving projects into production, and this agreement reflects our ability to help bring strategic critical minerals projects online and build secure, diversified supply chains. Drawing on our logistics network and market expertise, we look forward to supplying these battery-grade lithium products to customers, supporting supply chains for the US automotive and energy storage industries.”
Teague Egan, Founder and CEO of EnergyX, said: “Offtake agreements are among the most important steps in taking a lithium project from development to production. A long-term purchase commitment from a counterparty of Trafigura's scale and credit quality shows that the market wants EnergyX's product. It also gives lenders and investors the revenue visibility they need before committing capital to commercial construction.”
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Trafigura’s Press Office: +41 (0) 22 592 4528 or media@trafigura.com
About Trafigura
Trafigura provides critical resources to the world. Founded over 30 years ago and owned by its employees, the Group is at the heart of global supply, using its deep understanding of commodity markets to make supply chains more efficient, secure and sustainable.
Working across a global network, the Group deploys infrastructure, logistics, financing and market expertise to move energy and commodities from where they are produced to where they are needed. By connecting producers and consumers, we bring resilience and trust to complex supply chains. The business supplies the energy and commodities the world needs today, including oil and petroleum products, metals and minerals, gas and power, while investing in lower-carbon solutions for the future.
The Trafigura Group also comprises industrial assets and operating businesses including multi-metals producer Nyrstar, fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy, fuel supplier and distributor Greenergy, and the Impala Terminals joint venture. The Group employs approximately 14,500 people, of which more than 1,400 are shareholders, and operates in over 150 countries.
Visit: www.trafigura.com
About EnergyX
EnergyX is a sustainable energy technology company transforming critical mineral production and technology for the battery and nuclear material supply chains. The company is developing lithium projects across North and South America, as well as its GET-Lit™ direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology platform and NUKE-it™ nuclear technology platform. Founded in 2018 by CEO Teague Egan, EnergyX is incorporated out of Puerto Rico, and currently has offices and commercial facilities in Austin, Texas, and operations throughout Chile in the South American Lithium Triangle.
Visit: www.energyx.com